Under the direction of the VP of Nursing and Clinical Services, Medical Director and Director of Imaging Services performs specialized and difficult diagnostic imaging examinations of patients, utilizing ionizing radiation, to render optimum images which are used to support diagnoses and provide insight into medical issues, concerns or conditions. The Imaging Technologist I has a strong understanding of safety requirements related to imaging services and is proficient in Radiography and is competent in performing holter monitor placement and electrocardiograms. This position may perform IV contrast injection procedures as needed and is required to be qualified to care for infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Practices within the scope of licensure, complies with federal and state legal and professional requirements
Consistently follows Imaging Services departmental and facility wide policies, including modality specific policies
Follows proper patient identification protocol by using two determined patient identifiers
Inspects the patient's examination order, clinical indication, previous imaging exams, and any pertinent patient information before proceeding with the imaging procedure
Consults the Radiologist or ordering provider if order clarification is needed
Prepares patients for examination by acquiring history, answering questions, and providing instructions and detailed explanation of the procedure to obtain the best possible imaging examination while reducing the patient's anxiety
Thoroughly completes patient screening and applicable forms relating to the procedure and patient's care
Demonstrates competency in appropriate documentation
Follows policies/protocols when documenting within the patient's chart
Communicates effectively to caregiver responsible for the care of the patient following the imaging procedure if applicable
Demonstrates competency in accurately implementing "downtime" processes
Prepares and positions patients, using immobilization devices appropriately when needed to obtain optimum imaging
Follows approved imaging protocols and parameters while delivering quality patient care and ensuring safety
Consistently informs the Radiologist of all pertinent information before and after the procedure when needed and promptly notifies the Radiologist of any critical finding
Possesses a solid understanding of anatomy and demonstrates the ability to position patients as needed to complete adequate imaging, EKG, and holter monitor procedures
Protects the patient's privacy at all time and ensures all patient documents are kept private including information on computer screens
Complies with HIPAA guidelines
Follows patient safety guidelines with every encounter, ensures the patient is attended to at all times
Demonstrates a solid understanding of modality specific physics and possesses a solid understanding of the functions and operations of modality specific imaging equipment and attached components including but not limited to contrast injectors and post processing software
Possesses the knowledge and ability to safely operate all modality specific equipment, EKG, and holter monitor units
Follows proper steps to report equipment malfunctions and promptly notifies the Director or Chief Technologist with any equipment issues
Performs equipment QC and calibration when applicable, ensuring meticulous QC records are kept in accordance to modality specific regulatory agencies
Effectively communicates any changes in the patient's condition during or after the procedure with the Radiologist, ordering provider, and/or RN
Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet or exceed the departmental standards and possesses a solid understanding of modality specific skills competency checklists
Demonstrates competency with invasive modality specific procedures
Follows proper protocol, practices sterile technique, prepares the room with required supplies/instruments to be readily available when applicable
Verifies the department RN is available for invasive procedures with appropriate patient forms/documentation completed
Participates in and ensures a "Time Out" is completed with the team prior to beginning invasive procedures
Properly screens patients receiving contrast media while following the Administration of Contrast Media policy in Radiography
Possesses the ability to proficiently obtain intravenous access for IV contrast injection
Follows proper sterile technique when accessing existing intravenous sites or obtaining a new IV site
Demonstrates competency in proper infection control
Washes and/or sanitizes hands before and after each patient encounter
Thoroughly cleans/sanitizes equipment after each patient encounter following manufacturer's guidelines
Consistently reviews each completed examination for adequate quality and technical accuracy
Ensures correct labeling and patient identification prior to submitting in PACS for radiologist interpretation
Completes required patient forms appropriately and routes forms correctly for distribution to medical records
Demonstrates competency with computer programs; Paragon Radiology Management, Order Management, Resource Scheduling, PACS, Cardioserver and any additional programs as requested
Performs clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones, scheduling outpatient imaging/cardiology exams, documenting patient information within computer programs, and properly releasing imaging studies for continuing care according to hospital and departmental policies
Demonstrates competency with imaging retrieval for archiving, CD exporting/importing, and film printing
Ensures work environment is free from safety hazards and high risk areas are secure at all times
Appropriately reports any safety issues immediately
Demonstrates the ability to efficiently manage emergency situations
Completes all requirements and responsibilities for accrediting and regulating bodies where applicable
Consistently ensures life support carts, oxygen hook-ups, suction devices are maintained properly and are in excellent working condition at all times
Ensures work area is kept clean and organized
Reports cleaning and linen needs to Environmental Services in a timely manner
Maintains supply inventory, ensuring proper quantity of supplies are stocked
Consistently rotates supply inventory to prevent out-dating and verifies supply room and cabinets are secure at all times
Completes all work prior to shift end and informs incoming staff of any pending exams/patient information
Provides a positive image to customers by creating a friendly atmosphere and places a high priority on meeting customer requirements in a timely and courteous manner
Responds to "on-call" in the required time frame where applicable
Participates in orientation and training of new employees and student technologists
Contributes to a team atmosphere by demonstrating excellent communication skills, taking initiative to perform needed tasks, and being flexible to go beyond normal expectations to meet the needs of others
Willingly accepts various work assignments, is accountable and responsible for actions/decisions
Demonstrates an openness to change through suggestions and constructive feedback
Demonstrates proper use of time, equipment, and supplies in efforts to control costs
Maintains current continuing education, certifications, and modality specific education requirements
Seeks opportunities to improve knowledge base by attending departmental meetings, in-services, and completing education assignments
Maintains a good rapport and professional working relationship with JSH providers, staff, patients, families, and visitors, as well as outside providers and offices